10/14/2025
Today is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day alongside that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Even though this day is typically recognized for humans, this is something your pets can get as well.
Cats and dogs have two chains of mammary glands running along the abdomen. Dogs typically have 8-10 glands (4-5 on each side) with smaller breed dogs tending to have fewer glands than larger breeds. Cats have 8 glands (four on each side). Occasionally a dog or cat may have an extra gland(s). The glands are connected to each other, and lymph nodes drain the region. Mammary tissue has a rich blood supply.
Both benign and malignant tumors can affect one or multiple glands. In dogs, roughly 50% of mammary tumors are malignant but in cats, ~85-90% are malignant. Cat mammary tumors are aggressive, and most tumors have spread (metastasized) at the time of diagnosis.
According to published statistics, mammary cancer accounts for 42% of all tumors diagnosed in dogs (more on this later) with a reported lifetime risk of 23-34% for an unspayed, female dog. Interestingly, almost all mammary tumors found in male dogs (rare but possible) are malignant.
To read more on causes, risk factors, and signs click the link below:
June 12, 2025 – Mammary cancer is a serious and often deadly disease in dogs and cats, but early spaying, regular exams, and timely veterinary care can significantly reduce risk and improve outcomes.